The Salt Creek Interpretive Trail in Death Valley National Park features a raised wooden boardwalk, a visitor must-see.
The entire Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is on a raised wooden boardwalk. This makes for easy hiking and protects this sensitive area of Death Valley from damage from the hordes of tourists.
Salt Creek runs mostly underground except for this area of Death Valley. Water flows on the surface at Salt Creek Boardwalk from autumn to early spring. Saltwater pools are usually visible all year long.
The ideal time to visit is spring when the Salt Creek Pupfish are spawning. There are multiple signs along the trail detailing the life cycle of the elusive Pupfish.
The park service says the boardwalk trail is a 0.5 mi loop. The actual length of this hike is closer to a mile. If you are feeling adventurous, several routes branch off from the end of the Boardwalk Trail.
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail offers some fantastic vistas of Death Valley. This is one of the few places in the valley where you can see running water. Although the water is too salty for humans to drink, many plants grow along the creek.
Various animals and birds frequent the area, including wild burros and coyotes. Pickleweed and Saltgrass are the principal plant life. There are no trees here; after all, this is Death Valley.
Where is the Salt Creek Boardwalk
The boardwalk is off Highway 190, 13 miles north of Furnace Creek. After you turn off onto the dirt road, the parking is just under two miles. During the summer, carry water; even though this trail is short, the temperature can be over 100 degrees, and there is no shade.
Salt Creek Trail Video
The trail to the boardwalk is accessible by most cars and wheelchairs. Pit toilets are available at the parking area, and pets are prohibited on the trail.
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